Display device



Patented Sept. 18, 1945 DISPLAY DEVICE Ralph J. J orgenson and Foster L. Clute,

San Francisco, Calif.

Application September 23, 1941, Seria'IN'o. 411,986

(Cl. .4U- 125) 4 Claims.

'The present invention yrelates to improvements ina display device and itconsists of the combinations, constructions and arrangements herein- :after described and claimed.

A-display device should be large in area in order to shovvan advertisement to the best advantage, 'and it should also be shallow in depth so as to `occupy little Window or Tloor space. Another lqualification is 'that the device should be collapfsible so as to be readily Shipped. When using a large :flexible sheet of material on which the ad'- "vertisement appears, "it is ldiiiicult Ito support the material :in ya @vertical plane because Lthe material is thi'n fand flexible A'and therefore will readily buckle-for fold. If the filexible material is applied @to la -corrugated cardboard backing, suiucient rigidity :is provided to 'support it on a collapsible frame, but-it lis 'difficult to print on Ya Vsheet that has fa corrugated card-board backing.

vThe principalement of our invention is to pro- 'vii'de a collapsible `frame and a novel 'fastening Fand st'retching means for securing a 'large ileXible sheet o'f material to the frame. 'This permits `the 'she'etto/be printed and then applied -to the frame. Although lthe frame Sis fsh'aillovr indepth, lit has suhi'cient supporting surface :afforded by ffo'ldable '.fee't to maintain the lframe in :a vertical position. l'Ihe feet may be .secured to a supporting surface by `any suitable fastening means `or by weights placed thereon.

if desired, tvvo sheets of ilexible material may be applied, one on each side of the frame, and the-'ends iof`the'sheets'may be secured 'to theframe in such afmanner 'as to cause the sheets to be held Smooth While in their supported state.

AWhere both sides of 7the 'frame are covered with separate sheets of advertising matter, it is possible Ato :support fthe frame from a vceiling rather than rest the iframe on a 'loor or other support- 1i-ng surface.

1A further object of our' invention is to provide la fdevice of the type described which is simple rin construction and duralble and eflicient for the purpose intended.

."Other objects and advantages will appear in 'the following specication, and the novel features of the device Will be particularly pointed out in 'the appended claims.

Our invention is illustrated in the accompany- 'ing drawing forming Aa part of this application, in

which:

Figure 1 is an 4isometric View of one form of the `display device and illustrates the device fromv the rear "in order to set 'forth the frame rconstruction more clearly;

Figure 32 is an isometric view of three Yof the ytrarne members used in the form of the device vde- -picte'din Figure 1,`these mem-bers being separated from 'eac'h other Afor the purpose of clearly showing the slots;

Figure 4f3 is -a'p'erspective view of 'a modified form of the invention 'and shows the rear of the deviceto'disclo'se the Trame construction; and

Figure 4 Eis fa plan view -of `raportion of another modiiied form of the invention.

While We have shown only 'the preferred forms fof our invention, ift should lbe understood that various changes `or modifications may lbe made Within the scope `o'f the appended claims without departing from thespirit of the invention.

in carrying vout our invention we provide a colilapsible frame indicated generally at A. This fframe may be Yiliade-'of any material desired and members may be constructed in the shape of channels, angles tor flat strips. In Figure 1, we fsh'otv the linemfbers `as be'ing 'channel-shaped and construoted `from lcorrugated icardboard; while in Figure 3, flat strips of corrugated cardboard are depicted. 'The eorruga'tiohs .in 'the cardboard are not indicated because of the smallness of ithefs'c'ale. `We do :not Wish to be `confined to any particular tyipevof material, nor Vto :any particular shape of :material making up 'the frame members.

Theirame-A has-acentervertical brace I which '-i's channel-'shaped I-n -actual practice the brace :I lis Lmade vfrom a sheet o'f laminated cardboard ftvvo ii'at layers spaced from each other by a corrugated center-sectional' layer. The Asides la fand ilo oi the 4brace 1| :are slotted adjacent to the top and bottom of the brace and We have illustrated in V:liigure 2 only the upper group of slots 2-2 `and 3e-"3. Near the bottom of the -brace "We provide additional pairs ofslots 4 and 5 similar to 'the rslots 12 :and 3. The web 6 of the brace terminates at the 'line l, Whilethe sides lafand lb are :extended and are transversely scored at B and 9 ifor fifolding the extended portions .If and H at right angles to form feet, see Figure '1.

The frame also 'consists of horizontal frame "members 4,2 and f3, both of Which are identical to each other,` and therefore a description of one will `suffice iforboth. A portion ofthe member |2 is illustrated in Figure 2 and it is provided With 1a `pair of rslots lll-I4 in its sides 12a and 'I-2b which are designed to cooperate Withthe slots when the member I2 is secured to the brace i. It will be noted that the Aslots 2 do not, extend `throughout the Width of the side la nor do Ithe slots 'Hl extend `throughout the Width, of the 'sides I2 and 12b. The length of 'the' 'slots `2 and I4 is such that their inner ends will abut each other when the edges I5 of the sides I 2a and I2b lie flush with the outer surface of the webrB. Additional slots I6I6 are provided in the sides I2a and I2b and cooperate with the slots 3 for connecting the member I2 to the brace I. In

like manner the lower member I3 is secured to the brace l, the slots I4 of the member I3 cooperating with the slots 4, and the slots I6 cooperating with the slots 5.

The member I2 has its web I1 lying ush with the edges I8 of the brace I, and the web terminates at the ends IS-IS. The sides I2a. and I2b extend a slight distance beyond the ends I9 of the web and are curved in the manner shown at 2U. The member I3 is similarly constructed and corresponding reference numerals are applied.

We provide a flexible sheet of material indicated generally at B which may be paper, cloth, or any other material desired. The width of this material is preferably equal to the length of the web 6, while the length of the material is in excess of the lengths of the members I2 and I3. The ends 2| and 22 of the material are secured to reinforcing and stiiening strips 23 and 24 of corrugated cardboard or any other reinforcing material desired. Both ends 2| and 22 of the exible material are slotted in the same manner to be receive in slots provided in the members I2 and I3, and therefore a description of one cooperating group of slots will suffice for all groups, and corresponding reference numerals will be applied to all groups. In Figure 2, the end 22 is illustrated and this end is slotted at 25 to receive the side I2a of the member I2. The side I2a has a cooperating slot 26 therein, and the web I1 has a slot 21 for receiving the portion 22a of the end 22. The side I2b is not slotted and therefore a long slot 28 is die-cut into the end 22 to receive the side I2b. The lower end of the portion 22 is provided with similar slots in order thatthis portion may be secured to the member I3 in like manner.

The slot 26 is positioned at a distance from the curved edges 2U of the member I2 which will cause the flexible sheet B to extend around the curved edges and be likewise curved. When the end 22 and the reinforcing strip 24 are forced into the slots 23 and 21, they will create a tension on the flexible material to hold it tightly in place and the material will be stretched around the edges 20. The opposite end 2I is secured to the members I2 and I3 in like manner and a further description need not be given. It will be noted that the reinforcing members 23 and 24 extend beyond the lower edges of the ends 2I and 22 and are bent to form feet 29 and 30. The web 6 may be fastened to the flexible material B by glue, paste, cement, or any other cementitious material, or it may not be secured to the flexible member. We have found the best results to be achieved when the web 6 is fastened to the ilexible material B at its center, and this will permit the ends of the material to be secured to the members I2 and I3 in the manner already indicated. The fastening of the web 6 to .the material B prevents the top and lower edges 3I and 32 of the material from curling.

The feet I0, II, I9 and 30 will support the frame in an upright position and may be secured to a supporting surface by suitable fastening means, or weights may be placed on the feet. The width of the feet causes them to lie within the depth of the frame A. The curved edgesl 20 of the horizontal members I2 and I3 cause the material B to curve in a like manner, and this will give the proper rigidity to the material B so that it cank stand on edge. At the same time a finished effect is afforded to the device when the edges are curved rearwardly in the manner shown.

It is possible to use angle braces or iiat braces rather than channel members or box like members. In Figure 3, we illustrate horizontal flat bracing members cooperating with a center vertically disposed angle brace 33. The frame C shown in this figure has its flexible material D secured to a side 33a of the vertical brace 33. The vertical brace has its other side 3317 extending at right angles to the side 33a and provided with a slot 34 near each end for receiving horizontal members or braces 35 and 36. The horizontal braces have slots 31 for receiving the unslotted portions of the side 33h and have recesses 38 for receiving the side 33a. This will cause the edges 39 of the braces 35 and`36to lie flush with the outer surface of the side 33a and therefore to Contact with the back of the flexible material D.

It will be noted that the recess 38 is twice as long as the width of the side 33a and this will permity the braces 35 and 36 to be turned end for end and applied to the brace 33 without interferring with the proper assembly of the frame C. In other words, the brace 35, for example, can be attached to the brace 33 with the curved ends 40 arranged in one position or with the ends oppositely positioned. Cooperating slots 4I and 42 in the. horizontal braces 35 and 36, and the ends 43 of the flexible material D respec- -f tively are provided for permitting the ends to be secured to the braces in much the same manner as the ends of the form of the device shown in Figure 1 are secured to their braces. Reinforcing members 44 are fastened to the ends 43 and are also received in the slots to act as wedges for holding the flexible material in a stretched condition. The ends 43 may be moved further into the slots to take up any stretching of the paper D. The side 33h has an extended portion 45 bent at right angles to form a, foot, and each reinforcing ymember 44 has an extended portion 46 also bent at right angles to form a foot. The feet support the frame and the exible material in the same way as that set forth in the other form of the invention. The feet extend lengthwise of the frame and permit a shallow frame being used.

It is possible to dismantle both forms of the device, shown in Figures 1 and 3, quickly, and the horizontal bracing can be folded into lengths less than their overall lengths if the channels or angles are longer than the height of the iiexible material. For example, the horizontal channel I2 can first be opened out nat and then bent along a scoring line 41. This will permit the horizontal members to be considerably longer than the height of the flexible material, and still the overall length of the package when the parts are collapsed need not exceed the height of the flexible material. The flexible material is rolled into a compact cylinder when the device is dismantled for shipping purposes.

In Figure 4, we show still' another modified forrn of the invention where the horizontal members 48 may be ohannel-shaped with upper and lower sides 48a that have double curved ends 49 and 49. In place of the cooperating slots 25 to 28 inclusive, the end 50 of the flexible material E carries a button -5I to which a string 52 is secured. The free end of the string is wrapped around a second button 53 that is secured to the side 48a. The string may be tightened about the button 53 for stretching the material E taut about one of the curved ends 49 of the member 48. A central vertical member 55, similar to the member l is connected to the two horizontal channels 48 in the same manner as the member I is connected to the members I2 and i3. Only one central vertical member need be used.

It is possible to cause the frame to support a sign on both sides, and a second sheet of flexible material E representing 'the second sign is shown mounted in place. The sides 48a of the channel have a second curved portion 49', and a slot 54 separates the curved portions 49 and 49' from each other. The ends 50 and 50' of the two sheets E and E are received in the slot, and the buttons 5I and 5I have strings 52 and 52' secured thereto. The string 52' may be wound around the same button 53. The strings hold the paper taut about the channels and are hidden from view by the two pieces of flexible material E and E. If the buttons 5I and 5I' adjacent to the upper horizontal member 48 are placed below the member, the string will rest on the member 48 and will have a tendency to stretch the sheets E and E upwardly. The reverse can take place at the lower horizontal member 48 by placing the buttons 5l and 5l above this member and causing the string to pass below the side 48a and thus pull downwardly on the lower portions of the sheets E and E. This will stretch the sheets tight by pulling up at the top and down at the bottom of both sheets adjacent to their ends.

The advantages of the display device are several. It permits a display of any soft, flexible material and holds it in a smooth flat plane. The material may stand on its edge or be supported from above. The display may be used in in a small space because the device is shallow. This is ideal for show windows where it is desired to place objects in front of the device. The device will stand erect even though of shallow depth and this is made possible by the feet which extend in the direction of the length of the device. The feet are no wider than the depth of the device and may be secured to the supporting surface by fastening means or weights. The device is fool-proof in the way it can be assembled. Assembling can be quickly and accurately accomplished. The display device is light in weight even though it covers a large vertical area when assembled. This reduces the cost for shipping. The device is also compact when disassembled for shipping or storing. The demountable frame when assembled permits the stretch- `ing oi any flexible material thereover and the material may carry an advertisement if desired The paper or exible material B and D need not be provided with slots 25, 28 and 42 before the material is secured to the frames A or C since the cutting can be done by a knife or other instrument at the time of assembly. This will save an expensive die cutting job for the paper or other flexible material.

We claim:

1. In combination, a frame including a central member, a flexible sheet secured to the member, other members removably secured to the central member and having rounded ends, said sheet overlying the other members and having portions extending around the rounded ends, said secondnamed members having slots therein for removably receiving rthe ends of the sheet, and reinforcing and sheet stifiening members paralleling the sheet ends and being receivable in the slots for wedgng the sheet ends in the slot.

2. In a display device, a flexible sheet, a frame including an angle member having one side permanently secured to the sheet, the other side being swingable from a plane paralleling the sheet plane into one extending at right angles thereto,

frame members removably secured to the angle member so as to extend at right angles thereto and having rounded ends, the sheet contacting with the frame members and having its greater portion lying in a flat plane with the sheet ends extending around the rounded frame member ends, and means for removably securing the sheet ends to the frame members.

3. In a display device, a flexible sheet, a frame including an angle member having one side secured to the sheet, the other side being swingable from a plane paralleling the sheet plane into one extending at right angles thereto, frame members removably secured to the angle member and having rounded ends, the sheet contacting with the fr-ame members and having its greater portion lying in a flat plane with the sheet ends extending around the rounded frame member ends, and means for removably securing the sheet ends to the frame members, reinforcing members secured to the sheet ends and having foot portions for supporting the frame and sheet, said foot portions lying inside of planes paralleling the front and back of the frame.

4. A display device comprising a frame made up of at least two parallel members with slots adjacent to their ends, a transverse member secured to the parallel members, and a piece of flexible material having advertising thereon and extending over one side of the three members, the ends of the material extending around the ends of the parallel members and being frictionally held in the slots for holding the material taut, reinforcing strips secured to the ends of the material and being received in the slots, the reenforcing strips constituting supporting frame legs and having feet whose planes extend at an angle to the plane of the material for supporting the display device in an upright position.

RALPH J. JORGENSON. FOSTER L. CLUTE. 

